Government Announces Cash Incentives for NRBs Facilitating Foreign Investment

During a BIDA governing board meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday, a policy was approved granting a 1.25% cash incentive on the equity investment facilitated by any expatriate. For instance, successfully bringing in $100 million in FDI would earn the facilitator an incentive of $1.25 million.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun explained that this initiative aims to leverage the vast global network of the Bangladeshi diaspora to position the country as a prime investment destination. To further streamline the process, the government has approved a roadmap to merge six investment-related agencies—including BIDA, BEZA, and BEPZA—under a 'Single Umbrella' framework. This structural reform is intended to eliminate administrative bottlenecks and ensure faster decision-making.

The government also plans to expand its international presence by opening BIDA offices abroad, starting with China, followed by South Korea and Europe. These offices will operate on a performance-based commission model rather than fixed salaries. Additionally, a new formal guideline for the privatization of state-owned assets through investment banks was approved, marking a strategic shift toward a more market-driven economy.